Comparison of results of computed tomography and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs with primary lung tumors: 14 cases (1999–2002)

Abstract

Results of CT evaluation of TBLN status were in agreement with histopathologic findings and more accurate than use of thoracic radiography for evaluating TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors. Computed tomography imaging should be considered as part of the staging process to more accurately assess the TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors.

Pulmonary lymph node charting in normal dogs with blue dye and scintigraphic lymphatic mapping

“…A possible alternative to methylene blue dye or technetium is thoracic CT imaging; lymphadenopathy as detected with CT imaging has been strongly correlated with metastasis in dogs with primary lung tumors (Ballegeer et al, 2010;Marolf et al, 2011;Paoloni et al, 2006). Future intrathoracic lymph node biopsy recommendations should include description to penetrate the mediastinal pleural envelope and dissect overlying fat to remove any palpable or visual N2 lymph nodes in dogs presenting for resection of primary lung tumors.…”

“…It is known that the prognosis of dogs having metastatic spread of primary lung tumors to regional intrathoracic lymph nodes is poorer than in dogs without lymph node metastasis (McNiel et al, 1997;Ogilvie et al, 1989;Paoloni et al, 2006;Polton et al, 2008;Sabattini et al, 2012). Recommendations have been made that the regional intrathoracic lymph nodes are to be surgically biopsied during a lung tumor resection, but without specific guidance (Fossum, 2007;Laksito et al, 2010;McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006;Rebhun and Culp, 2013). In some studies of canine lung tumors, tracheobronchial lymph nodes were not biopsied if they appeared to be of normal size, though lymph node size is not indicative nor correlative for metastasis (Lansdowne et al, 2005;McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006).…”

“…In some studies of canine lung tumors, tracheobronchial lymph nodes were not biopsied if they appeared to be of normal size, though lymph node size is not indicative nor correlative for metastasis (Lansdowne et al, 2005;McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006). Histologic detection of metastatic spread in dogs with primary lung tumors affects not only the prognosis for survival, but also whether additional therapeutics are recommended, specifically adjuvant chemotherapy (McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006).…”

“…Recommendations have been made that the regional intrathoracic lymph nodes are to be surgically biopsied during a lung tumor resection, but without specific guidance (Fossum, 2007;Laksito et al, 2010;McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006;Rebhun and Culp, 2013). In some studies of canine lung tumors, tracheobronchial lymph nodes were not biopsied if they appeared to be of normal size, though lymph node size is not indicative nor correlative for metastasis (Lansdowne et al, 2005;McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006). Histologic detection of metastatic spread in dogs with primary lung tumors affects not only the prognosis for survival, but also whether additional therapeutics are recommended, specifically adjuvant chemotherapy (McNiel et al, 1997;Paoloni et al, 2006).…”

Computed tomography image of the mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes in clinically sound Rottweilers

“…Independent from its size, any intra parenchymal hypo attenuation is considered abnormal, and when there is obliteration of fat adjacent to them, this can represent an extra nodal spread from a tumor or postsurgical or post radiotherapy inflammation. Palaoni et al (2006) reported the importance of contrast enhancement of the tracheobronchial lymph node in dogs with diagnosis of a primary lung tumor. They reported that even with minimal lymph node enlargement, when they present significant contrast enhancement, homogeneous or ring like, abnormality should be considered.…”